H2 Grand Prix schools hit home stretch to Australian finals
Five Hunter High Schools hit the road to the NSW finals of the H2 Grand Prix, the world’s biggest hydrogen competition, with the help of Port of Newcastle.
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Five innovative Hunter high schools are preparing to race for the future this Thursday, as they travel to the University of Wollongong for the NSW World Qualifier of the H2 Grand Prix (H2GP) – the world’s largest hydrogen competition for students.
Hunter schools make history
Warners Bay High School, Rutherford Technology High School, Irrawang High School, Merewether High School and Callaghan College Waratah Campus will all make history as the first Hunter teams to compete in the H2GP finals, thanks to support from Port of Newcastle and its partners – coNEXA, GHD, Lumea, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, University of Newcastle, Newcastle City KIA, and Newcastle Onroad Remote Control Car Club.
The winning team will earn the right to represent Australia, alongside finalists from other states and territories, at the H2GP World Final in Chemnitz, Germany, in August, putting the Hunter region’s best and brightest on the global stage. The best ‘all girls’ team in Australia will also secure a wildcard place in the international competition. With Rutherford Technology High’s all-female team a strong contender, the Hunter could see as many as two teams in the international competition.
Rutherford student, Sommer Hughes, said the program has opened up opportunities for her team.
“To have a sustainable future, you need to have a sustainable education,” she said.
Women like us have the talent, we have the ideas and the ambition, but we didn’t have the opportunities and that’s where the Port of Newcastle has really made it possible for us and our Women in STEM program to go forward.
Sommer Hughes
Student – Rutherford Technology High School
Port Executive Manager Marine and Operations, Glen Hayward, said supporting the next generation of STEM innovators aligns with Port of Newcastle’s vision.
“We are incredibly proud to support these passionate young teams in their journey to Wollongong and potentially to the world finals in Germany. What these students have achieved over just six months is nothing short of exceptional and reflects the Hunter’s and Port of Newcastle’s shared value of innovation.
“Our Clean Energy Precinct is central to the Hunter Region’s diversification. On track for operations by 2030, it’s incredibly important that Port of Newcastle is helping engage the Precinct’s future workers as early as possible.
“We wish our Hunter Region teams the very best of luck – you’ve got the entire region behind you,” Mr Hayward said.
About the H2GP
The H2GP unites over 5,000 students from more than 20 countries, challenging them to design, build, and race hydrogen-powered remote-control cars. The World Qualifier race, held on Thursday 24 July, is the culmination of six months’ work, with each Hunter school mentored by the University of Newcastle’s chemical engineering department.
Starting in the United States and Czech Republic in 2015, the program educates school students about renewable technologies and climate change, with a focus on hydrogen fuel cells.
Likened to the ‘hydrogen Olympics’, the H2GP offers a unique platform for students to gain hands-on skills, foster teamwork and explore future careers at the forefront of the energy transition.
Regional support from education, business, and industry
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said young people were the future of STEM and praised the significance of the program.
“It is fantastic to see students in the Hunter provided with this opportunity at a time when engaging young people in STEM is critical to our region’s energy future. Programs like the H2GP showcase the talent and creativity within our region. We’re proud our academics were able to help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, and demonstrate our University’s critical role in supporting our region’s clean energy transition.”
Chris Birch from Newcastle City KIA said: “We feel in a changing vehicle industry helping inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators will go a long way to also helping the planet.”
Executive General Manager of Lumea, Craig Stallan, said: “Lumea proudly supports Port of Newcastle in empowering students in the Hunter through the H2GP program. This initiative brilliantly showcases the talent and creativity of the region’s youth, fostering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators who’ll lead our clean energy transition.”
Learn more about our Clean Energy Precinct here.